The
Environmental Key Fund Ltd (EKF) is an incorporated Company established in 2004 to
distribute Landfill Community Fund (LCF) monies to environmental and community
based projects; and in July 2011 the EKF began to distribute grant support for
the Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Programme.

Unfortunately due to the recent closure of Auchinlea Landfill
Site, Landfill Communities Fund Applications to the EKF are now closed.

However
applications to the Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Programme have
reopened.

Windfarm Community
Benefit Funds arise as a result of a voluntary contribution paid by a developer
to benefit communities living in and around new windfarms.

As a result of the
development of Blacklaw Windfarm on the boundary of North and South Lanarkshire
and West Lothian, Scottishpower Renewables (UK) Limited currently make a small
Community Benefit Contribution to North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) but this is anticipated
to grow quite significantly in future years as a result of developments
currently in operation.

TheBlacklaw
Windfarm Community Benefit Fund is managed by the
Environmental Key Fund (an independent grants management organisation) which is
completely separate from NLC. The scheme is open to communities living
closest to the windfarm development through a community and environmental
grants scheme

In particular, applicants
will be able to apply for main grant funding support ofup to
£30,000and small grant funding support ofup to £5,000 for projects
taking place within theShotts, Allanton, Bonkle and
Hartwoodareas of North Lanarkshire and their immediate
surrounds – the precise eligible grant area for projects seeking support from
the Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Fund is highlighted in the map below.

Objectives of Fund

Any not for profit organisation
or community group (except North Lanarkshire Council or Council controlled
bodies) seeking a grant for projects taking place or benefiting communities
within this highlighted area may apply for funding support from the Community
Benefit Fund where this project meets one of the following five objectives.

Objective 1:

providing, maintaining or improving a public park or
other community facility for leisure or recreational purposes.

Objective 2:

protecting or improving the conservation of identified
Biodiversity Action Plan species or

habitats.

Objective 3:

maintaining, repairing or restoring a place of religious
worship or a building or structure

that has architectural or historical significance (with
Grade A or B listed status).

Objective 4:

encouraging the more efficient use of energy.

Objective 5:

reducing fuel poverty.

How to
Apply

For further information, support for applicants on eligibility, guidance,
application forms and deadlines for submissions to the Blacklaw Windfarm
Community Benefit Fund please contact Ellen Archibald at the Environmental
Key Fund on 01236 632855 or e-mail Archibalde@northlan.gov.uk